As I searched the Internet, I learned the dmv doesn't transfer foreign licenses anymore, so if they wouldn't renew her license because it's so far expired, we couldn't just transfer her US one over. Her option would be to take a local driving class to get a local license. Talk about embarrassing!
I read mixed grace periods online, so we were nervous going to the DMV. Most listed 2 years. We were at 1 year 11 months. In years past, dealings with the dmv have been a headache (usually over the 'usa' they add to our passport number, even though it's not on our passport).
Thanks fully there was no line, they processed the renewal without any issue. And I was prepared with the necessary copies, so we were in an out in 5 minutes (plus a 30 minute drive each way).